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Philip Pullman leads list of authors honoured at Coventry Inspiration Book Awards

Coventry Telegraph, June 15th 2012

The internationally-renowned author was presented with the Our Favourite Classic Award for his fantasy novel Northern Lights at the sixth annual event.

The awards ceremony, the centrepiece of the Literally Coventry Book Festival, came after thousands of Coventry readers of all ages and backgrounds voted for their favourite page-turners.

Some 12 winning writers from across the UK, and one who travelled from Canada, picked up awards and were greeted by an audience of school children and adults.

Speaking ahead of the presentation at St Mary’s Hall, Mr Pullman said: “I think these awards are wonderful. I’m always delighted to hear from the readers.

“Events like this are important,” he added, “because children have all sorts of pressures now and are encouraged into a certain type of reading at school because they have to do tests and schools go into league tables.

“Events like this encourage children to read a variety of books in full and enjoy them.

“I’m delighted to be here in Coventry for this event because Coventry is one of the few places with a good library service and it’s important to keep the schools library service going.”

His view was echoed by Coun Lynnette Kelly, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for education, who said safeguarding the library service was a top priority for the council.

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